In 2004, he pitched in 40 games with the White Sox, posting a 4.65 ERA, and some fans thought that he would get a spot on the 2005 roster, while pitcher Neal Cotts, who had pitched in 56 games with a 5.65 ERA, might be sent to the minors. Adkins and Cotts were both young relievers in 2004, neither of whom had notched any saves that year. owever, Cotts won the spot on the roster and had a 1.94 ERA with the White Sox in 2005, while Adkins spent most of 2005 in Charlotte as a starter with a 5.37 ERA and a 4-9 record.

Adkins signed as a free agent with the San Diego Padres in 2006, and was at the major league level for most of the season, appearing in 55 games with a 3.98 ERA. Cotts, meanwhile, slumped to 5.17 with the White Sox. Adkins also appeared in 13 games in 2006 with the Padres' Portland Beavers affiliate in the Pacific Coast League, with an ERA of 1.38.

Following the season, Adkins was traded to the New York Mets. He spent most of 2007 with the AAANew Orleans Zephyrs, appearing in one game in the bigs with the Mets in late July. After the season, he became a free agent and signed with the Cincinnati Reds organization, making four appearances with the Reds late in the 2008 season.